Richie Hawtin on the Minus family’s roots

Richie Hawtin on the Minus family’s roots

29 August, 2008 | 2.49AM

• Section: Music News Topics: Beatport Blog
• Written by: Industry Boy

The artists on Richie Hawtin’s Minus record label are a tightly knit group.

Gaiser, Magda, Heartthrob, Marc Houle, Troy Pierce and Hawtin are often called the Minus family, so close is the bond between them all.

“All the artists on Minus came to the label through different paths,” says Richie.

“The funny thing is, all of the guys in the family grew up through the early Plus 8 and Plastikman parties.

“The whole team attended these early Plastikman/Hawtin parties, and became inspired to get deeper into music.

“Between all of us now, it’s like there is this feedback loop between being inspired and inspiring.”

How did the artists on Minus come to meet Richie Hawtin?

Magda

Richie Hawtin: “Magda came into the scene through the early parties in Detroit.

“I remember seeing her DJ and feeling her amazing presence behind the decks.

“Artists need a tangible, unique quality, a personality, and Magda had it right at the beginning of her career, even when she was playing in the early days.

“I call it Magdatism.”

Troy Pierce

Richie Hawtin: “Troy started out as a photographer and he’s always been a creative guy.

“He’s a risk taker and enjoys taking a chance, but he’s also got this dark edge to him that reminds me of the early Plastikman records.

“That dark side can be heard in all of his productions as well as during his DJ sets.”

Heartthrob

Richie Hawtin: “Jesse was friends with Magda and her posse and while we were all living in NYC together he started passing me demos.

“I remember hearing his music and being blown away – all his tracks were off kilter, and always had some sort of quirky hook to them.

“Jesse is a funny, quirky guy and his music is the same.

“There’s always something tongue in cheek about his tracks… making you not sure if he’s serious or not”

Marc Houle

Richie Hawtin:“Like me, Marc is from Windsor but we were both in different circles.

“We knew each other but he was into a slightly different side of electro pop and new wave, plus he was a bit of a freak.

“Magda then introduced me to him and suddenly we found out we had a lot more in common than we thought.

“Houle’s music has got this pop sensibility and even in his most basic most minimal tracks, there’s always some hook to be found”

Gaiser

Richie Hawtin: “Gaiser was around for years helping to put up lights and decorate at our Detroit parties.

“In the beginning I think he was just a fan who wanted to help out.

“One day he gave me this demo, and usually the demos I receive aren’t that solid, but John’s music fitted perfectly with the direction that Minus was heading.

“He was in the crew immediately.”

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